On May 8, 2025, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from its eastern coastal city of Wonsan, marking its first missile test since March. The missiles flew up to 800 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the launches occurred between 8:10 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. local time.
South Korean military officials suggested that the missile tests might have been conducted to assess the performance and flight stability of weapons intended for export. While no specific recipient was named, recent intelligence indicates that North Korea has been supplying short-range ballistic missiles and other military equipment to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict.
The missiles launched are believed to include the KN-23, which resembles Russia’s Iskander missile, and the KN-25, a super-large multiple rocket launcher. These systems are capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads and have been part of North Korea’s strategy to enhance its tactical capabilities.
Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed that one of the missiles reached an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers and may have flown on an irregular trajectory. Japan lodged a stern protest with North Korea, emphasizing that such actions threaten regional peace and are unacceptable.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan are closely monitoring the situation and sharing intelligence. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command condemned the launches as destabilizing and called on North Korea to refrain from further provocations.
These missile tests come amid increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Last month, North Korea confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to support its military operations in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence estimates that approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, with around 5,000 casualties reported.
The launches also follow North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent visits to munitions factories, where he emphasized the need to boost artillery shell production.
